03/12/2026
“Feeding difficulties often involve a complex interplay between the anatomy and function of the tongue, oral structures, and overall body tension. At the center of many feeding challenges is the frenulum, a small band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue is too tight or restricted, it is known as a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), which can severely impact an infant’s ability to latch and feed effectively. It can also affect swallowing, speech, and breathing.
However, the frenulum does not exist in isolation. It is part of a broader network of connective tissue and fascia that interacts with muscles like the genioglossus—a key muscle responsible for tongue movement and stability. Tension within this fascial network can restrict the tongue’s range of motion, creating challenges that manifest as breastfeeding difficulties, discomfort, and inadequate milk transfer.
Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in addressing these neuromuscular tensions. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can relieve tightness and restore normal function by focusing on the fascia, cranial bones, and soft tissues that connect to the tongue. This non-invasive approach targets the root causes of some feeding dysfunction, providing a vital step before considering surgical interventions such as frenectomy.” – Naiomi Catron, RN, IBCLC, Jared Poplin, DMD, Stephanie Gessner, DC & Brittany Guelzow, DC
Infant feeding challenges are often connected to tongue-tie and broader fascial and neuromuscular tension affecting tongue movement, and gentle chiropractic care can help restore function and relieve these restrictions to support more effective feeding.
